Holuakoa Gardens lights up the night for an annual December holiday festival on Hawai’i Island.

The annual Festival of Lights in upcountry Holualoa – just three miles up Mt. Hualalai from busy Kailua-Kona, but light years away in “old Hawai‘i” – is set for Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm and signals the start of the holiday season here on Hawai‘i Island.

Be sure to stop by Holuakoa Gardens – a slow food dining establishment respected as one of Hawai’i’s top restaurants – and enjoy music by Jill Sanders’ Cella Bella Quartet.

Colorful banners announce the upcoming Festival of Lights event.

In typical small town form, “Main Street” (Mamalahoa Highway) is shut down for several blocks as it’s converted into a pedestrian mall for revelers. Highlights include a tree lighting ceremony, numerous musical groups on stage throughout the village and food and beverage treats offered by the many galleries, inns and boutiques.

Local-style jam at the M.Field Gallery during the annual Festival of Lights event – not here on December 2nd? No worries, it happens every month on the first Friday evening!

Party Hawai‘i-style at the beach-chic M. Field Gallery featuring traditional Polynesian ocean sports original art, prints and fashion – from up-market tees, caps and bags to dresses and island-inspired jewelry.